Minn. man faces new charge in Grand Forks Somali restaurant fire

Federal prosecutors have beefed up charges against a Minnesota man accused of starting a fire that heavily damaged a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks.

Matthew Gust, of East Grand Forks, Minn., appeared in court Monday on a charge of use of a destructive device during a crime of violence. That charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 30 years. It is the second charge in the case.

Authorities say the December fire at the Juba Coffee House was started by a homemade explosive made from a 40-ounce beer bottle.

A spokesperson for a group that supports refugees in the Grand Forks area says the cafe owners are looking at ways to pay for rebuilding the business.